Orthopaedic Section Publishes Low Back Pain Guidelines

New evidence-based clinical practice guidelines are available to help physical therapists manage patients with low back pain. Developed by the Orthopaedic Section, the guidelines describe the peer-reviewed literature and make recommendations related to (1) treatment matched to low back pain subgroup responder categories; (2) treatments that have evidence to prevent recurrence of low back pain; and (3) treatments that have evidence to influence the progression from acute to chronic low back pain and disability.

The Orthopaedic Section has an ongoing effort to create evidence-based practice guidelines for orthopedic physical therapy management of patients with musculoskeletal impairments described in the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health.

The low back pain guidelines will be considered for review in 2017, or sooner if new evidence becomes available. Any updates to the guidelines in the interim period will be posted on www.orthopt.org.